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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Portulaca oleracea reduces triglyceridemia, cholesterolemia, and improves lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity in rats fed enriched-cholesterol diet.

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Abstract Purpose The effects of Portulaca oleracea ( Po ) lyophilized aqueous extract were determined on the serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL 2 and HDL 3 ) amounts and composition, as well as on lecithin: cholesterol acyltansferase (LCAT) activity. Methods Male Wistar rats ( n  = 12) were fed on 1% cholesterol-enriched diet for 10 days. After this phase, hypercholesterolemic rats (HC) were divided into two groups fed the same diet supplemented or not with Portulaca oleracea ( Po -HC) (0.5%) for four weeks. Results Serum total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerols (TG), and liver TG values were respectively 1.6-, 1.8-, and 1.6-fold lower in Po -HC than in HC group. Cholesterol concentrations in LDL-HDL 1 , HDL 2 , and HDL 3 were respectively 1.8, 1.4-, and 2.4-fold decreased in Po -HC group. HDL 2 and HDL 3 amounts, which were the sum of apolipoproteins (apos), TG, cholesteryl esters (CE), unesterified cholesterol (UC), and phospholipids (PL) contents, were respectively 4.5-fold higher and 1.2-fold lower with Po treatment. Indeed, enhanced LCAT activity (1.2-fold), its cofactor-activator apo A-I (2-fold) and its reaction product HDL 2 -CE (2.1-fold) were observed, whereas HDL 3 -PL (enzyme substrate) and HDL 3 -UC (acyl group acceptor) were 1.2- and 2.4-fold lower. Conclusion Portulaca oleracea reduces triglyceridemia, cholesterolemia, and improves reverse cholesterol transport in rat fed enriched-cholesterol diet, contributing to anti-atherogenic effects.